LEWISBURG, Tenn. – Marshall Medical Center (MMC) will host the second in a series of free seminars on diabetes on Tuesday, November 13. The program, titled “Understanding Diabetes,” will begin at 6 p.m. in the main conference room at MMC.

According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 25.8 million adults and children in the United States—more than 8% of the country’s population—have diabetes. Millions more are at risk for the disease. Tennessee has one of the nation’s highest incidence rates for diabetes.

At the upcoming seminar, Donna Shedd, RN, a certified diabetes educator at Maury Regional Medical Center, will provide an overview of diabetes. Topics will include controlling high blood sugar, the role of diet and exercise in controlling diabetes and complications of the disease.

“Diabetes and elevated blood sugar can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health, leading to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage,” Shedd said. “People who have been told they have pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes often do not view themselves as being at risk for diabetes, but anyone who has trouble controlling their blood sugar can face some of the same challenges as someone already diagnosed with diabetes.”

Those with diabetes or high blood sugar are encouraged to attend this seminar. Seating is limited and registration is requested. To register or learn more, call 359.6241, extension 3305.

As part of the diabetes educational series at MMC, a free seminar titled “Foot Care for Diabetics” will be presented on December 11. Dr. Chuck Peter, a podiatrist on the MMC medical staff, will speak at 6 p.m. in the medical center’s main conference room.